Two-Dimensional Simulations for Flood and Sediment Transport in the Lower Yellow River

A two-dimensional numerical model for simulations of flood routing and sediment transport in the lower reaches of the Yellow River was developed based on the theories of unsteady flow and non-equilibrium sediment transport. Using the finite difference and finite volume modeling techniques on the basis of non-structural irregular grids, the impacts of overbank storage, local levee and morphological changes on flood propagation was well considered in the model. The modeling field covers both the main channel and floodplain for Henan reach and Shandong reach. The model consists of two major parts. One is for calculation part including flood predicting, flood reproducing and real time forecasting, and the other part is the extension of the model including the functions of demonstration and information exchange interface with users. The calculation part has a self-regulating capability for scouring and filling process in order to simulate the movable bed due to frequent shifting of main flow and the high sediment content in the Lower Yellow River. The demonstration function allows users to watch the flood and sediment routing process through the display. And the information exchange interface makes it easy for users to carry out flood and levee management when overflow may occur. The two-dimensional model has been successfully applied to the Lower Yellow River since 1990s. Some examples are given in the paper.